Reconciliation beer for Scot voters

A new beer is being released in an attempt to bring back a sense of harmony among Scottish drinkers after Thursday’s independence referendum.

The Reconciliation Beer is designed to build bridges between opposite sides of the independence debate after the vote this week (Photo: Caledonian Hampers)

The range of beers, designed to bring Yes and No voters back together after the big vote, is the brainchild of peacemaker and former Scottish Young Entrepreneur of the year Stuart Ebdy.

Ebdy said he had grown increasingly concerned that the campaign has divided the nation, and is hoping that Scots can be reunited “in the best Scottish tradition” – over a beer.

Through his gifting company Caledonian Hampers, he has produced five litre kegs of ale to be shared between those at opposite sides of the debate after the polls close on Thursday (18 September).

Stuart, of Edinburgh, told the Edinburgh Evening News he was still an undecided voter – but had been horrified at the “division” he had seen among friends and family.

He told the paper: “I think anyone who uses social media will have seen friends, family and colleagues arguing quite fervently about the referendum.

“One of my biggest fears isn’t about the economy or defence or anything like that post-referendum – it’s that people will fall out forever when we should be working together to make a better Scotland, independent or in the UK.

“We need to remember that every voter is choosing what they believe is best for themselves and for Scotland, so we should all respect each other no matter what as we all share this amazing country.

“That’s the way it should be”, he continued. “It’s in the best Scottish tradition to be together and be happy rather than there being bitterness and recrimination.”

Beer seems to be central to the Scottish referendum debate, after the recent short-term release of the Ballot beer by Moray producers Brewmeister.

Their aim was to poll their customers ahead of the big vote through the sale of Yes and No branded beers.

After their week-long run, the Yes brew claimed a triumphant victory, outselling the No offering by over five to one.